COOLPIX A

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Overview

The COOLPIX A offers the image quality of a D-SLR and the portability of a compact camera. This powerful performer features an impressive 16.2-megapixel DX-format CMOS, the same image sensor found in our acclaimed D-SLRs. The state-of-the-art 18.5mm lens (28 mm in 35mm format equivalent) f/2.8 NIKKOR lens ensures exceptional performance and fully retracts to maximise portability.

Mini yet mighty - the 1st compact with a DX-format sensor

The COOLPIX A is Nikon's first and smallest compact camera with a DX-format sensor - the same sensor used in many of our high-end cameras. This palm-sized masterpiece delivers stunning D-SLR quality photos at up to 16.2 megapixels, with a level of performance that rivals that of a D-SLR. For quality images in a wide range of lighting conditions, the COOLPIX A features an ISO sensitivity range of 100 to 6400, which can be set to ISO 25600 equivalent (Hi 2).

Breathe life into every photo

With its extraordinary image quality, the COOLPIX A lets you capture the essence of every moment. It features a specially designed retractable 18.5mm (28mm in 35mm [135] format equivalent) f/2.8 NIKKOR lens. Enjoy intentional front or rear focus while macro shooting, and use the manual focus for more versatility. Shoot in 14-bit compressed RAW (NEF) format for the highest quality images. For true-to-life details, the COOLPIX A uses no optical low-pass filter so extreme sharpness is attained even when shooting intricate subjects. Every nuance is brought to life, letting you relive the moment with every photo.

Authentic craftsmanship

The COOLPIX A evokes the beauty of finely crafted photographic gear, where form and function go hand in hand. Built for endurance, the camera’s body is crafted from aluminium alloy and coated in magnesium alloy. Available in black or titanium silver, the COOLPIX A is a pleasure to behold as well as to use.

Performance meets simplicity

Using the COOLPIX A is a unique experience. Buttons and dials have been designed for comfort and usability. It features the same user interfaces as Nikon's D-SLRs, offering an unprecedented level of control. Versatile manual controls such as a focus ring and focus mode selector allow for precise and quick-access operation. For extra convenience, simply assign frequently used settings to customizable buttons.

Unleash your full potential

Expand your horizons with a wide range of optional accessories for the COOLPIX A.

Achieve perfect lighting with Nikon Speedlights*

Compose your shots with the DF-CP1 Optical Viewfinder #

Add a lens hood and filters with the UR-E24 Adapter Ring and HN-CP18 Lens Hood

See the product video:

Features Explained

1. 18.5mm* f/2.8 lens

Ultra-compact NIKKOR lens comparable to D-SLR interchangeable lenses

Designed exclusively for a slim, compact body, this NIKKOR lens features incredible optical performance in an ultra-compact configuration of seven elements in five groups. Thanks to the lens-integrated camera body structure, the overall system — including the sensor and mechanical controls — has been optimized to achieve the ultimate optical quality.

The advantage of 18.5 mm* wide-angle coverage

The 18.5 mm* angle is excellent for most subjects, including landscape, architecture, documentary, close-up or candid shooting. The versatile wide-angle lens encourages your spontaneity, enabling you to instantly capture any moment that attracts your attention while still retaining your subjects' natural expressions. You can also use the wide-angle advantage to emphasize the perspective for dramatic effects. Unlike zoom lenses, the fixed focal length ensures exceptional edge-to-edge optical performance. Wherever you go, whatever catches your eye, the COOLPIX A is ready to capture it beautifully.

*Equivalent to 28 mm in 35mm [135] format

Exceptional resolution, color reproduction and bokeh

The COOLPIX A corrects and compensates for spherical aberration and coma to realize images comparable to those captured with D-SLR interchangeable lenses. The lens inside the COOLPIX A incorporates a seven-blade iris diaphragm. In addition to incredible detail at the focus points, employing an odd number of blades results in a beautiful, circular bokeh (background blur) effect.

MTF Chart

Large sensor with 16.2 effective megapixels

Not only is the camera's sensor 12.9 times as large as the 1/2.3-in. type found in conventional compact cameras, the DX-format CMOS sensor inside the COOLPIX A is also the same one used in Nikon D-SLR cameras, delivering the same extraordinary image quality, high ISO sensitivity and minimized noise as its larger-bodied brethren.

No optical low-pass filter for maximum sharpness

With a DX-format sensor designed without an optical low-pass filter, the COOLPIX A achieves consistently high levels of sharpness and image quality. Combine this with the camera's superior lens resolution and you get truly breathtaking images.

Micro-lenses specifically designed for the COOLPIX A

Designed exclusively for this camera's optical configuration, the COOLPIX A has micro-lenses above the sensor arranged to maximize the performance of the lens. The resulting images have natural, edge-to-edge sharpness.

High-performance image-processing engine

There is another important factor contributing to the camera's incredible image quality: EXPEED 2. Using the same image-processing engine found in Nikon D-SLR cameras, the COOLPIX A utilizes EXPEED 2 for excellent image results. Working in concert with the DX-format CMOS sensor, this image-processing engine handles image data with extraordinary speed and accuracy, while efficiently managing to avoid generating excess heat.

3. Design and controls

Designed for an authentic feel

In addition to its high performance, fine optics and state-of-the-art internal mechanisms, the COOLPIX A is designed to convey Nikon's exceptional standards by taking on the authentic look and feel of great photographic equipment.

Parts and controls

The buttons, dials and switches are all crafted to assure comfort in every operation. With manual options like focus ring adjustment, you wield precision control that can be useful when you want to inject your own creative intention into an image. What's more, most of the operation system and the GUI are consistent with Nikon D-SLRs, so you can be confident using the COOLPIX A as a substitute for a D-SLR.

Robust metal frame

Built for endurance, the compact COOLPIX A body is encased in a tough aluminum alloy, with a top surface covered by magnesium alloy for true durability. With a leatherette grip and dials cut from a metal block, the COOLPIX A conveys the feeling of authentic photographic gear. This and a myriad other design details serve as valuable examples of Nikon's unique heritage of craftsmanship.

7.5 cm/3-in., high-resolution, approx. 921k-dot LCD monitor

Featuring an integrated panel and glass structure, the large, high-resolution TFT LCD monitor remains viewable even in bright sunlight. The new structure minimizes internal reflections for clearer visibility, all while providing a wide viewing angle for more comfortable viewing.

4. Superior performance

Exposure control

You can control the COOLPIX A exposure options with the same operating system you have become accustomed to with your Nikon D-SLR camera. The Mode dial makes it easy to select among AUTO, P (with Program shift), S, A and M exposure control modes, as well as between two of your own personalized setting configurations: U1 and U2. Exposure compensation (+5 to -5 in 1/3 steps), AE lock and AE bracketing are also available.

Manual focus operation

In addition to autofocus operation, the COOLPIX A has a manual focus ring for when you want to take your creative intention into your own hands. This D-SLR style of creative control — the ability to alter the focus plane slightly forward or backward — can be especially beneficial with macro photography.

Full HD movie

With Full HD movie recording at 1920 x 1080/30p, you can shoot impressive movies utilizing the DX-format sensor. With beautiful bokeh and incredibly high image quality even at high ISO sensitivities, you can record exquisite and expressive movies that are only possible with DX format. The subject-tracking AF feature keeps even moving subjects in clear focus. The sound of movies is recorded in stereo. By connecting an HDMI cable, you can output the movie to external equipment for viewing on a large screen.

Continuous shooting at approx. 4 frames per second

To capture fast-moving action, the COOLPIX A can continuously shoot up to 4 frames per second*.

*Up to 26 shots when image size is set to L and image quality is set to NORMAL.

Conquer extreme lighting with Active D-Lighting

Active D-Lighting (Auto)

Reveal the details in both dark and light areas of high-contrast scenes. With Active D-Lighting, you can do it automatically. Set it either to Auto or select from several degrees of strength. Auto bracketing is also possible.

Picture Control

Choose from six settings: Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Landscape and Portrait. When you desire further fine-tuning, you can manually adjust the sharpening, contrast, brightness, saturation and hue. The settings can be saved for future use.

Standard

Neutral

Vivid

Monochrome

Portrait

Landscape

Auto white balance

Auto white balance (normal)

In order to determine an ideal white balance, this feature precisely analyzes scene color and brightness information. The auto white balance can be selected as normal (rendering white as pure white) or at a setting that renders the warmth of ambient, incandescent lighting. White balance bracketing is also available.

Retouch menu

The COOLPIX A comes equipped with various in-camera image-editing functions. Selective color creates a black-and-white image in which only the specified color(s) remains. Miniature effect makes an image look like a miniature scene taken in macro mode, while Color sketch creates vivid, pop-art inspired images.

GUI (Graphic User Interface)

The COOLPIX A GUI is designed to be operated the same way as Nikon D-SLR cameras, making it even easier to use confidently as a substitute for your D-SLR.

Virtual horizon that can detect inclination

LCD monitor display

The in-camera virtual horizon feature can detect and display horizontal inclination on the LCD monitor. This function is especially useful when shooting subjects such as still lifes, landscapes and architecture.

5. An extensive range of add-on accessories

DF-CP1 Optical Viewfinder

Gives you more freedom in determining composition. It covers the angle of view of a 28 mm lens (35mm [135] format equivalent; frame coverage 90% at infinity).

Adapter Ring/Lens Hood

The UR-E24 Adapter Ring is used to attach on HN-CP18 lens hood and filters with a diameter of 46 mm available in the market. The HN-CP18 Lens Hood can prevent unwanted stray light from entering, thus minimizing lens flare.

UR-E24 Adapter Ring

HN-CP18 Lens Hood

Optional Speedlight

When you want more power and creative capability than the built-in flash, try using one of Nikon's range of optional Speedlights. Just a simple bounce flash technique — angling the flash to "bounce" light off a ceiling or nearby wall — can make a big difference to an image. Your subject and shooting scenario will be bathed in softer light, with less harsh, unnatural shadows that can occur with a direct flash. Bounce flash shots are just the beginning. See where a Nikon Speedlight can take your photography.

GP-1 GPS Unit

The COOLPIX A is compatible with the GP-1 GPS Unit for recording EXIF data regarding the latitude, longitude and altitude of your shooting locations and embedding this information into your image data. What's more, online image sharing services like NIKNON IMAGE SPACE (Nikon's new and improved image sharing and storage service website) and commercially available digital mapping software are all at your disposal, so you can share and enjoy your photography even more.

WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter

With the optional WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter connected, you can wirelessly transmit images taken by the COOLPIX A to a smart device* such as smartphone or tablet so that you can share your images via email or social networking services (SNS). What's more, images can be taken by using a compatible smartphone or other smart device to release the camera shutter remotely from a distance while monitoring images in the smart device screen.

*This function requires installing a Wireless Mobile Utility to the smart device prior to use. This can be downloaded from the application store of each smart device (free).

Exclusive Nikon software — expand your creativity

Your Imaging Toolbox — ViewNX 2 (supplied)

This simple and intuitive software helps you get the most out of your images and movies after shooting. ViewNX 2 provides importing and browsing capability while also incorporating image-editing functions such as Resize, Brightness, Crop, Straighten and NEF (RAW) image processing. High-definition and high-quality RAW processing is achieved by utilizing the same processing algorithm as Capture NX 2 that faithfully reproduces Nikon image quality. Its movie-editing functions help you create your own original movies quickly and easily, and Nikon's new and improved image sharing and storage service, NIKON IMAGE SPACE, works smoothly with ViewNX 2, allowing you to log in directly from the software for easy uploading without activating a browser.

Nikon's RAW images (NEF: Nikon Electronic Format) maintain extremely rich data. Only Nikon's Capture NX 2 can fully utilize this data with its optimized file format and software processing algorithms. With the enhanced speed of the algorithms, high-speed processing is achieved. This enables high-speed, stress-free editing even if the data size is large. Also, Capture NX 2 supports 64-bit (native) to realize a comfortable working environment. You can focus on editing with ease because it is possible to leave the original image intact with NEF editing. In addition to the intuitive and simple editing using Color Control Points, it incorporates various functions such as Auto Retouch brush, Batch Processing, Quick Fix, Straighten Tool, Vignette Control, Auto Color Aberration Control and Distortion Control.

Note: For further details of the latest version or operating environment, please visit Nikon's website.